Making Sure My Kids Are On Track

Being Ready to Use the Restroom at Preschool

3 September 2015

Jackson Henry

Many preschools require children to be able to take care of their own bathroom needs before they are allowed to enroll.  However, even "potty-trained" preschoolers may struggle to make the transition to using the restroom at school.  Here are some tips to help your young child be ready to use the toilet when they attend school for the first time.

Beyond Just Sitting There

For parents, having a child relieve themselves in the toilet rather than a diaper is huge milestone in and of itself.  Of course, by the time your child is heading to preschool he or she needs to be able to take care of their entire bathroom experience independently, not just the part that involves sitting on the toilet.  Have your child practice doing the following things themselves:

• Getting pants on and off
• Getting up and down off the toilet
• Wiping when they are done
• Flushing the toilet 
• Washing their hands with soap and water

While most preschool teachers are happy to help if there is an occasional problem, most will not be happy if your little one expects help wiping each time he or she uses the facilities.

Go Big

Small-sized toilets are a great training tool.  Whether it's a separate little potty that sits on the floor or a cartoon-decorated toilet insert, many children first learn to go on a miniaturized seat.  Unfortunately, unless you know for sure that your child's school features a preschool-sized potty, it's time to start using a standard toilet.  This can be scary for young children who may experience anxiety about falling in.  Show your child how they can hold onto the seat to stabilize themselves if needed, but remind them again of the importance of washing their hands afterwards.  

Go Somewhere Else

Up until now, the vast majority of your child's bathroom experiences have been at home.  A wonderful way to practice preschool potty readiness is to use restrooms at other places you visit.  Make it a point to let your child use the restroom when you are at places such as the library, church, or store.  Encourage him or her to figure things out for himself in the new setting.  These experiences will increase your child's confidence while you are still close enough to help if needed.

Give Them Words

Away from home your child will suddenly need to be his or her own advocate.  Bathroom breaks are likely included as part of the preschool schedule, but it's important for your child to also be able to communicate when they need to go on their own.  Help them use phrases such as "I need to go to the bathroom, please," so they feel comfortable approaching a teacher when they realize they need to go.

Plan for Accidents

Even the most prepared toilet-user will still have an occasional preschool accident.  Send in a set of clean clothes that can either be kept at the school or in your child's backpack.  Don't forget to include fresh underwear and a pair of clean socks.  Reassure your child that everyone sometimes has accidents.

Going to a preschool like Montessori School Of Salt Lake Inc is an exciting experience for most young children.  Help them get the most out of their new learning adventure by using these tips to prepare for using the restroom while they're at school.

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